The Price of Global Health

Dear Readers, Welcome to the inaugural issue of PharmaAsia.

Globalization is bringing the world closer and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are now beginning to tackle health problems on a truly global scale. Last year it was SARS, and this year it's the threat of the avian flu that has drawn much attention. The price of globalization is certainly being borne by everyone in ways both advantageous and disadvantageous.

Increased communication and travel has made the spread of pathogens more rampant and exposed populations to diseases that were previously considered out of reach. On the other hand, the fact that a global population is now at risk has made it more compelling for drug companies to get involved. Also unlike the past, many drug companies now have R&D and manufacturing centers in multiple locations around the world, making it possible for them to tackle these threats where they occur. The access to manufacturing and clinical centers in countries like Singapore, China, India, and in Eastern Europe have not only driven costs down, they have also helped tap into local talent and expertise and provided access to a diverse disease and patient population.

Globalization has certainly had a major impact on the generic drug market. The cover story for this issue examines the rise of generic drugs and drug manufacturers, especially in developing countries, thereby increasing pressure on pharma companies in the U.S. and Europe to produce brand-name drugs at a faster rate and at a price that is almost cost-prohibitive. A number of Asian companies like Teva Pharmaceuticals, Ranbaxy, Dr. Reddy's and others have forged ahead in the generics market to produce highly effective and affordable treatments, giving the branded drugs a run for their money.

The goal of PharmaAsia is to keep up with the pharmaceutical developments in the Asia-Pacific region and to meet the informational needs of the readers in the region. A bi-monthly publication in 2006, PharmaAsia will feature relevant content from its partner publications in the Reed Science Group such as Bioscience Technology, Drug Discovery & Development, Pharmaceutical Processing and others based in the U.S. while covering regional news and events related to the pharmaceutical industry in Asia. For more information, check out our Web site at www.pharmaAsia.com.